Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson can take down the vacancy sign at the Kaufman Football Building with the addition of Bill Teerlinck to the Redbird coaching staff.
Teerlinck, who is the son of John Teerlinck, a 17-year coaching veteran in the National Football League and current defensive line coach with the Indianapolis Colts, served as a graduate assistant the last two seasons at Indiana. With the Hoosiers, Teerlinck occupied the same role he will take on with the Redbirds assisting with the defensive line and special teams.
During his tenure, Indiana tripled the number of sacks by the defensive line in one year, posting five defensive touchdowns and leading the nation in kickoff returns, while ranking No. 18 in net punting and No. 25 in punt returns. It was this type of production that caught Johnsons eye.
Bill had done a great job over at Indiana with the former staff as a graduate assistant, Johnson said. He has a great background on the defensive side of the ball being the son of an NFL coach. He has been a lot of places and has seen a lot of ball, but I think what was really most interesting to us was his background in special teams. So he will work hand-in-hand with coach (Chris) Patton to enhance our special teams.
Teerlinck is also eager to contribute.
Im glad to be here and to be a part of this great coaching staff, Teerlinck said. The players are great and we are headed in the right direction. Everything has been upbeat and high tempo. Im just excited to be here and just ready to get this program going.
In addition to working at Indiana, Teerlinck has also had the opportunity to work numerous NFL camps in addition to serving as a sideline assistant with the Colts and Denver Broncos.
Prior to coaching, Teerlinck was a Division II All-American at Chadron State, in Chadron, Neb. He led all of Division II in quarterback sacks in 2002, while being named all-league. He earned his bachelors degree in university studies from Chadron State in 2001.
Teerlinck replaces Rashan Frost, who departed for an assistant position at Rhode Island.
